EDITORIAL: Retired state official provide example for current ones

By Enterprise editorial staff

Published
4:00 am CDT, Friday, May 27, 2016

Finally, a prominent Republican has put forth a bold idea outside the normal political debates that can help many Texans. The only drawback is that Susan Combs is no longer in office. Maybe some sitting officials will be emboldened by her courage to focus on other real-world challenges that need action - not words, and now, not later.

Combs, the former ag commissioner and state comptroller, is using leftover campaign funds to set up something called Texas Smart Schools. It will provide a five-star scale to judge public schools and districts based on academic progress and spending levels. It will be administered by Texas A&M University and lets parents and educators see how other schools are succeeding.

It's also noteworthy that Combs is not using her war chest as a slush fund for other candidates or her own political ambitions. She has $4.5 million in leftover campaign donations and is committing $190,000 to this initiative - while reaffirming that she has no interest in running for public office again.

Combs also was an advocate for transparent government when she was state comptroller, such as her initiative known as "FAST Tracker" that identified the state's most efficient schools and districts. Her new effort builds on that concept by adding more detailed measures of academic progress.

Something like this would be refreshing anytime, but it comes when some politicians are mired in silly issues like "bathroom bills." That's not public service, it's public pandering. Not only do gambits like that waste time and money, they distract taxpayers from real problems like education and job creation.

Combs' Smart Schools initiative deserves the support of all Texas who won't accept stagnant test scores and dropout rates. We can do better, but it will take changes like this to move the dial. When the Legislature convenes next year, Combs' successors should maintain the momentum.